Valve tray for a musical instrument

ABSTRACT

A tray for catching oil, saliva or other fluid dripping from the valves of a valved musical instrument. The tray comprises a unitary, flexible plastic member having a bottom, sides and one closed end. The sides are either inclined toward each other or of facing, concave cross section, with the minimum spacing therebetween being less than the diameter of the valves. This permits the tray to be clip-attached by means of the sides to the bottom of the valves. The tray may contain an absorbent pad; a lip across the open end retains the pad in the tray, but permits sliding disengagement of the tray from the valves.

United States Patent Slovacek, Jr. [451 Jan. 18, 1972 [54] VALVE TRAY FOR A MUSICAL FOREIGN PATENTS 0R APPLICATIONS INSTRUMENT 1,896 7/1864 Great Britain ..s4/397 [72] Inventor: Aloh T. Slovacek, Jr., 961 North Cypress Street, La Habra, Calif. 90631 Primary Examiner-Richard B. Wilkinson Assistant Examiner-John F. Gonzales Attomey-Hinderstein and Silber ABSTRACT A tray for catching oil, saliva or other fluid dripping from the valves of a valved musical instrument. The tray comprises a unitary, flexible plastic member having a bottom, sides and one closed end. The sides are either inclined toward each other or of facing, concave cross section, with the minimum spacing therebetween being less than the diameter of the valves. This permits the tray to be clip-attached by means of the sides to the bottom of the valves. The tray may contain an absorbent pad; a lip across the open end retains the pad in the tray, but permits sliding disengagement of the tray from the valves.

7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a valve tray for musical instruments, and more particularly to a tray for catching oil, saliva or other fluids dripping from the valves of a valved musical instrument.

2. Description of the Prior Art As is all too well known to musicians, the valves of brass wind instruments tend to drip fluid while being played. This fluid typically comprises saliva and condensation from the breath of the musician, together with oil and acids resulting from contact with the working parts of the valves. When this mixture drips on the musicians clothing or uniform, it leaves stains which are difiicult to remove and which may damage the clothing permanently.

Various approaches have been tried in the past to'prevent the fluid escaping from the lower end of musical instrument valves from staining the musician's clothing. Even today, the most common solution is to place a handkerchief, or other cloth across the clothing to absorb the dripping liquid. This approach is unsightly, impractical for a musician who is marching in uniform, and undependable, as the handkerchief may slip from the musician's lap while he is playing.

A somewhat more satisfactory approach is the use of a musical instrument attachment such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 791,084 to E. Kreutzberg or US. Pat. No. 2,148,540 to E. Dibert. The Kreutzberg device incorporates a cylinder having funnel-shaped inlets adapted to engage the instrument valve ends, and having a pair of spring-actuated clamping arms for attachment of the device to the instrument. The cylinder has a screw-threaded plug in one end which is removable to drain accumulated moisture from the cylinder.

The patented Dibert attachment includes a hinged body portion whichcompletely encases the upper part of the instruthan the diameter of the instrument valves, so as to facilitate clip-attachment of the tray thereto. Optionally, a lip may be provided across the open end of the tray. The height of the lip is sufficient to retain an absorbent pad within the tray. However, the height of the lip is not so great as to prevent the sliding disengagement of the tray from the instrument.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is particularly well adapted for use with brass basses, baritones, sousaphones, mellophones, valve trombones and the like. This embodiment includes a tray having sides which are inwardly curved. This facing, concave cross section permits the tray to be clipped on or removed from the lower end of the instrument valves by displacing the tray parallel to the axis of the valves. If desired, this tray also may be provided with an absorbent pad and/or with a lip along the open end thereof.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for catching fluid emergent from the valves of a valved musical instrument.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve 1 tray for a musical instrument comprising a unitary flexible plastic tray having members configured for clip-attachment to ment valves. A continuous band depends from the attachment bodyportion and surrounds the lower end of the valves. A drip cup, removably supported by the band, catches moisture leaking from the lower ends of the valves.

While the Kreutzberg and Dibert devices function to collect fluid leaking from musical instrument valves, the devices both are mechanically complex. Moreover, the devices tend to vibrate when in use, producing a metallic rattling and other undesirable noises. As evidenced by the widespread use of the handkerchief method of protection, complicated mechanical attachments such as those suggested by Kreutzberg, Dibert and others have received very limited acceptance.

The various shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the inventive tray for catching fluid dripping from the valves of a valved musical instrument. The tray is of simple mechanical construction, is inconspicuous and attractive in appearance, and does not rattle or produce other noise when the instrument is being played. Most important, the tray is completely effective in preventing fluid emergent from the instrument valves from dripping on a musician s clothing or uniform.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a tray for catching saliva, oil and other fluid dripping from the valves of a valved musical instrument. The device comprises a unitary, flexible plastic tray dimensioned for clip-attachment to the lower end of the valves of a musical instrument. Fluid leaking from the valves is caught in the tray, and may be absorbed by a pad of felt or like absorbent material disposed within the tray.

In a first embodiment, particularly well suited for use with a trumpet or comet, the inventive tray comprises a bottom, a Pair of planar sides extending upwardly from the bottom and inclined toward one another, and a first closed end. The minimum spacing between the inclined sides is slightly less the lower end of the valves of a musical instrument.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a valve tray for a trumpet, comet or like instrument including a bottom and inclined sides dimensioned for clip-attachment to the instrument valves.

Still another object of 'the present invention is to provide a valve tray for a brass bass, baritone, sousaphone or like instrument, the tray having contoured sides permitting clip-attachment and removal from the instrument valve ends.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a valve tray of simple mechanical construction and including means for retaining fluid emergent from the valves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS .Still other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments constructed in accordance therewith, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts in the several figures and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the inventive valve tray shown attached to the valves of a trumpet;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the valve tray also shown in FIG. 1, but removed from the instrument;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the valve tray embodiment of FIG. 2, the instrument valves also being shown herein;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the inventive valve tray shown attached to a baritone; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the valve tray also shown in FIG. 4, but removed from the instrument.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a trumpet 10 having a series of cylindrical valves 11 controlled by keys or plungers 12. As is well known, valves 11 are capped at their lower end, but the caps 13 generally are perforated and therefore capable of releasing fluid which accumulates within the valves. To catch this fluid, a valve tray 15 in accordance with the present invention is clip-attached to the lower end of valves 11.

Details of valve tray 15 are evident in FIGS. 2 and 3. Referring thereto, valve tray 15 is of unitary construction, preferably of flexible plastic, and includes a bottom 16 extending upwardly from which are a pair of sides 17. Sides 17 are inclined toward one another, the spacing between the upper edges 18 of sides 17 being slightly less than the diameter of valves 11. As evident in FIG. 3, the height of edges 18 is greater than the height of valve caps 13. The length of tray 15 is slightly greater than the end-to-end spacing of valves 11.

One end of valve tray 15 is closed by means of an end panel 19 extending upwardly from bottom 16 to a height equal to that of sides 17. At the other end of valve tray 15, a lip 20 extends upward from bottom 16. The height of lip 20 is sufficiently small so that valve tray 15 can be slidingly disengaged from the instrument with which tray 15 is employed.

Such sliding disengagement is illustrated in FIG. 1. Therein it may be seen that valve tray 15 can be removed from valves 11 by sliding tray 15 perpendicular to the valves to a disengaged position indicated in phantom at 15'. Valve tray 15 can be replaced onto trumpet by sliding the tray, lip 20 end first, over the lower end of valves 11. The spacing of sides 17, and the slight resiliency or flexibility thereof, will result in clipretention of valve tray in the position shown in FIG. 1.

The lower end of valves 11 are provided with valve caps 13 (FIG. 3) of diameter slightly larger than valves 11; such valve caps 13 seat within the tray 15 below the level of upper edges 18. Thus caps 13 also may aid retention of tray 15 on instrument 10.

Fluid dripping from valves 11 will accumulate in, and be retained by valve tray 15. Optionally, an absorbent pad 21 may be disposed within valve tray 15 to absorb the fluid. Typically, pad 21 may comprise felt or like material. Note that lip prevents pad 21 from sliding out of valve tray 15 when trumpet 10 is upended. Alternatively, both pad 21 and lip 20 may be dispensed with; on such a configuration, fluid which accumulates in tray 17 may be drained by upending valve tray 15.

While valve tray 15 has been shown in FIG. 1 as attached to a trumpet, the invention is by no means so limited. Thus, valve tray 15 also may be used with a comet or other valved instrument. However, because valve tray 15 optimally is inserted and removed by sliding the tray perpendicular to valves 11, it may be impractical to use this embodiment on an upright musical instrument having side branches on both sides of the valves. For such upright instruments, the valve tray embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 is more practical.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a musical instrument 25 (herein a baritone) of the type having valves 11 actuated by keys or pushbuttons 12'. Baritone 25 is typical of upright musical instruments such as brass basses, sousaphones, mellophones, valve trombones and the like which are provided with side branches on either side of the valve. Thus, instrument 25 includes side branches 26 and 26a on opposite sides of valves 11 Clip-attached to the lower end of valves 1 l is a second embodiment 27 of the inventive valve tray.

Details of valve tray 27 are evident in FIG. 5. Referring thereto, tray 27 is of unitary construction, preferably of flexible plastic, and includes a bottom 28, a pair of sides 29, and a closed end panel 30.

Each of sides 29, when viewed end-on or in cross section, has a generally arcuate or concave appearance, including a ridge or edge 31 facing the middle of tray 27. Alternatively expressed, sides 29 are of facing, concave cross section. Preferably, the distance between concave edges 31 of opposite sides 29 is slightly less than the outer diameter of valves 11'. Further, if valves 11' are the type which include a valve cap (not shown) at the lower end thereof, the vertical spacing between bottom 28 and each ridge 31 preferably is slightly greater than the height of the associated valve cap. This dimensioning insures that ridges 31 will fit tightly against the cylinder exteriors of halves 11' and additionally will be prevented from sliding off valves 11' by the slightly larger diameter of the valve caps. Of course, valve tray 27 primarily is held in place by the pressure exerted on valves 11' by the resiliency of sides 29.

In the embodiment of P16. 5, the end of valve tray 27 opposite closed end 30 is provided with a lip 32. Lip 32 prevents fluid from running out of tray 27 should the tray be upended. Further, lip 32 serves to retain within tray 27 an optional absorbent pad 33. in alternative configurations, valve trays 27 may have a completely open end with no lip 32, or may have both ends closed by panels such as that designated 30.

Valve tray 27 may be removed from valves 11' (FIG. 4) by pulling the tray downward away from the valves, as to the disengaged position 27' shown in phantom in FIG. 4. Sides 29 are sufficiently resilient, particularly when tray 27 is fabricated of plastic, to spring past the caps at the bottom end of valves 11. Valve tray 27 may be reinserted by pushing the tray upward onto valves 11. During this insertion, the upper portions of concave sides 29 function to spread edges 31 sufficiently apart so as to clear the valve caps and clip-engage valves 11'.

While the invention has been described with respect to the preferred physical embodiments constructed in accordance therewith, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A device for catching fluid dripping from the valves of a valved musical instrument, said device comprising a unitary plastic tray including means for retaining said fluid in said tray and means for clip-attaching said tray to the bottom of one or more of said valves and wherein said means for clip-attaching comprises a pair of tray sides having facing, concave cross sections, the minimum spacing between said concave sides being slightly less than the diameter of said valves.

2. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the length of said tray is slightly greater than the end-to-end spacing of said valves.

3. A device as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for retaining comprises an absorbent pad disposed in said tray.

4. A device for catching fluid dripping from the valves of a valved musical instrument, said device comprising a unitary plastic tray including means for retaining said fluid in said tray and means for clip-attaching said tray to the bottom of one or more of said valves wherein said tray includes two sides, a panel at one end and a lip at the other end, all extending upwardly from a planar tray bottom, said sides, panel and lip together comprising said means for retaining, and wherein said sides are inclined toward each other, the spacing between the top edges of said sides being slightly less than the diameter of said valves, said sides comprising said means for clip-attaching.

5. A device as defined in claim 4 wherein said means for retaining further comprises an absorbent pad disposed within said tray.

6. In combination, a trumpet or comet and a device as defined in claim 5 clip-attached to the bottom of the valves of said trumpet or comet, said device being removable from said valves by sliding said lip past said valves.

7. A tray for catching fluid dripping from the valves of a valved musical instrument, said tray comprising a unitary flexible plastic member having a bottom, a pair of sides upwardly extending from said bottom and inclined toward each other, a first end upwardly extending from said bottom and meeting said sides, and a lip extending upwardly from said bottom across the other end of said tray, the length of said tray being slightly greater than the end-to-end spacing of said valves, the spacing between said inclined sides, at the top thereof, being slightly less than the diameter of said valves so as to permit said sides to clip onto said valves and maintain said tray in mating engagement with the bottom ends thereof, and an absorbent pad disposed within said tray, the height of said lip preventing said pad from slipping from said tray but permitting said tray to be slidingly disengaged from said valves. 

1. A device for catching fluid dripping from the valves of a valved musical instrument, said device comprising a unitary plastic tray including means for retaining said fluid in said tray and means for clip-attaching said tray to the bottom of one or more of said valves and wherein said means for clip-attaching comprises a pair of tray sides having facing, concave cross sections, the minimum spacing between said concave sides being slightly less than the diameter of said valves.
 2. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the length of said tray is slightly greater than the end-to-end spacing of said valves.
 3. A device as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for retaining comprises an absorbent pad disposed in said tray.
 4. A device for catching fluid dripping from the valves of a valved musical instrument, said device comprising a unitary plastic tray including means for retaining said fluid in said tray and means for clip-attaching said tray to the bottom of one or more of said valves wherein said tray includes two sides, a panel at one end and a lip at the other end, all extending upwardly from a planar tray bottom, said sides, panel and lip together comprising said means for retaining, and wherein said sides are inclined toward each other, the spacing between the top edges of said sides being slightly less than the diameter of said valves, said sides comprising said means for clip-attaching.
 5. A device as defined in claim 4 wherein said means for retaining further comprises an absorbent pad disposed within said tray.
 6. In combination, a trumpet or cornet and a device as defined in clAim 5 clip-attached to the bottom of the valves of said trumpet or cornet, said device being removable from said valves by sliding said lip past said valves.
 7. A tray for catching fluid dripping from the valves of a valved musical instrument, said tray comprising a unitary flexible plastic member having a bottom, a pair of sides upwardly extending from said bottom and inclined toward each other, a first end upwardly extending from said bottom and meeting said sides, and a lip extending upwardly from said bottom across the other end of said tray, the length of said tray being slightly greater than the end-to-end spacing of said valves, the spacing between said inclined sides, at the top thereof, being slightly less than the diameter of said valves so as to permit said sides to clip onto said valves and maintain said tray in mating engagement with the bottom ends thereof, and an absorbent pad disposed within said tray, the height of said lip preventing said pad from slipping from said tray but permitting said tray to be slidingly disengaged from said valves. 